Dos and Donts of Winter Weddings
Winter weddings can be tricky to plan. There is already a lot of stress on people this time of year, and you don't want the big day to be bogged down with anxiety. There are a few simple do's and don'ts that will allow your special day to be nothing but amazing.
DO:
-Be prepared. As with any wedding, make sure all vendors are booked and bills are paid ontime. Looking for a last minute vendor this time of year is not a situation you want to be in. Call and confirm the date and times a week before the wedding. Order all bridal party attire six months prior to the ceremony, tuxedos three months prior to the ceremony, and the flower girl's dress two months before the ceremony at a minimum.
-Take advantage of discounts. Winter is the wedding offseason, and therefore venues and services tend to be available at lower prices anytime except holidays. Check out a few options and compare prices. Some vendors may match competing offers. Book everything in advance with contracts if possible, to guarantee date, services, location, and costs.
-Incorporate the elements. Snow is a beautiful addition to your wedding background. Don't be afraid to use it as a part of your decor. Not only does it save money, but the bridal white color, and beautiful sparkle add a romantic feel to the atmosphere.
-Plan ahead. Send out invitations 3 or 4 months ahead of time, and consider using save the date cards, especially for guests coming from out of town. Almost everybody has plans for the holidays, so not everyone may be able to come, but giving an advanced notice makes their attendance more of a possibility. It also gives them time to take days off from work, book the hotel, and save money for their trip.
-Wear warm attire. Be smart; it's cold outside in the winter, and as gorgeous as you want to be, a strapless dress with peep-toe stilettos just are not going to cut it. There are a lot of designers and boutiques that offer attractive fur wraps, bridal coats, muffs, gloves, boots, and closed toe shoes that are beautiful, bridal, and won't leave you trying to spit out the "I do," between teeth chattering.
DON'T:
-Get tacky with holiday themes. Of course, it's ok to incorporate the holidays into your wedding, but do it in a classy way. If you're considering red and green colors, Santas, and a Christmas tree shaped cake, take a step back to consider if you are making this day about your couple or taking the date of the ceremony too far. Instead, opt for using one of the colors and use it as the main color scheme with white and silver. If you really want both, add a few little "pops" of the other color (but only a few). Instead of putting giant foam snowflakes everywhere, use the more sophisticated option of using crystals and candles to give the frosty, icy look.
-Choose to have your wedding on a holiday. Not only are the prices nearly double than on a regular day, but most of your guests probably won't want to spend their holidays at someone elses wedding, and might not show up. In addition, many venues may be booked for holiday parties.
-Assume the weather will be perfect. Roads may be icy, snow may be falling. Make sure you have a contingency plan and give yourself ample time for all events of the day. Watch the weather and send out an email to guests the day before if possible to give them a warning about storms, so they can leave early and get to the wedding on time. Make sure shovels and de-icer are on hand at the venues and that there will be people there to clear the parking lot and walkways so people won't be slipping or walking through knee-deep snow.
Follow these simple rules, and your wedding will be a blissful day with no worries. Just as long as the bride and groom remember to show up!
